I discovered with posting my photos of the Museum of Transport and Technology that a number of you are fans of big flying boats. As am I and once on my travels I managed to get a personal guided tour of the interior of both the Solent and Sunderland at MoTaT. Here are some images of the Solent IV ZK-AMO, one of only two Solents surviving and the only Mk.IV variant left. Mostly taken in 2003, the images are scans from photographs, although there are a couple of digital images.
Firstly, a few exterior shots of the Solent squeezed into MoTaT's purpose built hangar for housing it and Lancaster B.VII NX665. Note the P-40 in the foreground of the first image taken in 1993; NZ3009 has since been restored and flew with the Old Flying Machine Company at Duxford before returning to New Zealand, where it regularly flies at airshows.
Taken in 2006 complete with crew member.
In this view the passenger deck layout can be seen. Starting at the front, the four windows below the flight deck are the forward dining area with facilities where the circular port holes are. The rear lower windows are further seating areas, which converted into sleeping berths. The upper windows aft of the wing is the rear seating deck and dining area.
The port wing from gound level.
Mighty Hercules'
The Solent could just fit into its hangar as evident in this photo.
The Solent Preservation Society; sadly, a number of these individuals have passed away since these photographs were taken, including my guide for the day and president of the SPS, Mr Ray Gasparich, third row down, second from left.
We start in the forward dining area. Note the bassinet in the first image and TEAL ephemera. The P-40 in the window isn't the same aircraft as in the above picture.
Throughout each flight the aircraft's route was plotted on this board in chinagraph pencil and it was passed around for viewing by the passengers.
The rear sleeping berths that served as a lounge during the day. Note the air vents and Steward call buttons. There was no such thing as a 'flight attendant' in those days and most of the senior ranking service staff were male.
Priceless TEAL crockery, including that most iconic flight item of the Forties, Fifties and Sixties, the ash tray!
Somewhat lacking in comfort for a First Class experience!
The upper rear seating deck looking forward. Note the duty free drink miniatures.
Looking aft. These seats were recovered and hand sewn based on original patterns and material specifications received from the original manufacturers.
The Steward's station with call lights indicating each area, PA hand held mike and telelphone for contacting the flight deck. Each Solent had a total crew of eight.
As was expected of the time, each passenger's meals were freshly prepared by the Stewards; no reheated rubber chicken on these flights.
Passengers ate off fine bone china, so safe storage of these items was essential. Stewards also hand washed the dishes, too.
Warm beverages were served in these TEAL monogrammed silver jugs.
The flight deck from the rear. There was a flight crew of five. The bubble to the right was placed there so visitors could see in the flight deck without boarding the aircraft. The First Officer's seat has been removed.
The Flight Engineer sat facing aft.
The Navigator's position, showing the last plotted course the aircraft flew, between Suva and Auckland on 14 September 1960.
The Radio Operator's station.
Last, but certainly not least; Captain of the Ship sat here.
I hope you've enjoyed this photo tour of the Solent IV ZK-AMO Aranui.
